I read this book a couple years ago, as we were coming out of the pandemic. It had been a long couple years for me, when my son purchased this book and told me it was a “must read.” It did not look like my typical read and I was hesitant, but I found this book to be an amazing ray of light.
Klune has released the sequel, but while you are waiting for that one on your library holds list, make sure you have read this one. OR…give it a reread. It’s that good.
Synopsis
Linus Baker is the case worker for the government entity in charge of magical youth. It manages orphaned magical beings who are minors. Normally his job is pretty boring, but one day the organization’s Extremely Upper Management assigns him to a month-long assignment to assess a special orphanage on the island of Marsyas.
The man in charge of the orphanage is Arthur Parnassus. The children view him as a father figure. But the most unique adult in the book is Zoe Chapelwhite, an undocumented adult free spirit who has lived on the island longer than it has been an orphanage.
The six children at Marsyas are unique. Lucy, short for Lucifer, is the Antichrist. Theodore is one of the few wyverns in existence. Talia is a rare female gnome. Phee has particularly strong forest sprite powers. Chauncey is an amorphous blob with monster-like tentacles. Sal is a shapeshifter who can become a small dog. He has the special ability to give others the shapeshifting ability by biting them. He has also been in many orphanages and has suffered abuse.
Linus fears the children at first, but he knows he has a job to do. He must make a recommendation about shutting down the orphanage. The children know this, and they are afraid of losing their home. Linus comes to see that they are more similar than different from “normal” children.
Angela’s Review
This is a fun, creatively spun tale with real world themes. First, it addresses the idea that belonging is not always about the family you are born into; sometimes it is about who you choose as your family. In addition to that, there is a focus on the fact that “children are more than what you read in a file.” It is a good reminder to not judge people until you get to know them. A modern-day application of this can easily be seen on social media where we only see a picture and a short post. Let’s remember we don’t know the people behind those selfies. I like that it is easily relatable.
I also like that the characters are lovable. It almost made me wish that I was part of their family. Arthur regularly reminds Lucy of the goodness in himself and the world, which also contributes to the overarching warmth of the story. The children love their home and their caretaker. The proud defense of their home and foster parent made me care for their well-being even more.
I also loved the ending, but you will find no spoilers here.
This book is also filled with incredible lessons for the children, which I think we can all benefit from. Here are just a few.
- “The world is a weird and wonderful place, but that doesn’t mean it’s not without its teeth. And it will bite you when you least expect it.”
- “Hate is loud, but I think you’ll learn it’s because it’s only a few people shouting, desperate to be heard. You might not ever be able to change their minds, but as long as you remember you’re not alone, you will overcome.”
- “But that [is] the funny thing about wishes. Sometimes all it [takes] to make them come true [is] a first step.”
In the end, what I love most is that the story has the power to elevate the position of children and their often-forgotten needs. This has never been truer than it is post-pandemic. It has been difficult for all of us, but for our kids it has been perhaps even worse. The teacher in me begs you to remember that all children deserve love and compassion, not just those who fit into some ridiculous imaginary mold envisioned by society. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I cannot wait to read Somewhere Beyond the Sea.
I give this novel 5 stars.